Stronger protection for rights and freedoms HK residents enjoy under the Basic Law

On Tuesday, the same day that China’s top legislature passed the law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Cuba, on behalf of 53 countries, welcomed the adoption of the law at the 44th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

This show of support highlights the law is in line with the United Nations Charter. It also deals a heavy blow to the malicious attempt of the United States and other Western countries to interfere in China’s internal affairs in the name of human rights.

So as to provide a veneer of respectability to their meddling in the affairs of other countries, the US and its allies propose that they can do what they like so long as their actions are in the name of human rights since these are above sovereignty. The support extended to China by the 53 countries is a rejection of that proposal and a slap on the wrists for those whose black hands have been stirring up trouble in the SAR and who are trying to use human rights as a pretext to exert political pressure on other countries.

It highlights that countries are well aware that the West’s claims to be championing human rights ring hollow.

Last year, Hong Kong witnessed its worst social unrest since its return to the motherland. With the covert and overt backing of foreign forces, violent protesters wreaked havoc in this Asian financial hub, violating the right of law-abiding Hong Kong residents to live a peaceful life.

No country would allow such acts to continue indefinitely. How can Western politicians condone and eulogize the despicable acts of Hong Kong rioters as acts upholding human rights and democracy?

What the rioters have done in Hong Kong is a blatant violation of Article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

Even in the names of democracy and freedom, the exercising of one’s human rights and freedom has boundaries.

The national security law for Hong Kong will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law. Instead, it will ensure there is a safe and stable environment in which the boundary of reciprocity is respected.

The world community should show due respect to China’s resolve to safeguard both its national security and human rights in Hong Kong.